Monday, August 31, 2009

I'm sad to report that Summer's just about over. Soon the kids will be back in school, agents and editors are gearing up for a busy fall, the weather will gradually start turning cold (or hot! Hello, Southern Hemisphere!), and we will soon be learning about the exploits of bizarre people on reality television shows of questionable quality. I'm always a bit sad to see summer go.

So on this-here blog I thought we could have a week of appreciation for a very special and important person: the writer. (And yes, this may mean you.)

Nearly everyone I've ever met in my entire life has thought at one time or another about writing a book. There is a widespread belief that everyone has a book in them, that if we could quit our jobs and set aside enough time under a shade tree with a pen and paper we too could be the next Ernest Hemingway. Or at least the next J.K. Rowling. How hard could it be, right???

As anyone who has actually tried to write a book knows: it's hard. Really really hard.

And as the recent blog reader survey shows, most of you have written at least one novel and just about everyone has tried, meaning you have done something that millions out there haven't: you went for it.

You made the leap of faith, put pen to paper, devoted hours and hours and hours to building a world, and after months of hard work and sweat and blood and tears, those of you that finished had something to be rightly proud of: a manuscript.

Then you find out that the writing was the easy part.

It's sometimes a thankless pursuit with uncertain odds, so this week: let's hear it for the writers out there, published and unpublished. We'll have a series of posts in appreciation of writers, those people who give us hours of entertainment, unsurpassed knowledge, and untold insight.

In my "Origin Series," a fantasy romance book, I managed to outline three books in the series, and am writing book one, "The Rose Door." It is very hard because my own artistic mind would like it and then later chastise me for even thinking it's comparable to J.K. Rowling or Tolkein. Then, I would like it again. It's a vicious circle. And it's hard locking myself in my little office with the sun shining outside, the house a mess, and "Criminal Minds" calling me to the television. Still, it's worth writing because I enjoy writing. I am happy to be plugging through the dreaded middle of a novel and knowing I CAN do this.

I attended the start-of-year party of an MFA program this weekend, and looking around at all the new students, I thought they seemed so vulnerable. They looked like they could use a hug. I'm going to suggest my teacher friends make it part of the workshops.

Wow, thank you, Nathan. I'm dog-tired today, and sad to see summer go. I am, however, looking forward to going back to work on the final revisions of my latest novel next week, and appreciate the very positive words of your post today. Here’s to all the writers out there! And here’s to Nathan for adding a bit of sunshine to the world of writers!

Ah, Summer, you duel edged tempest... The sun doth shineth, but it also baketh those of us w/o AC... Of course, the gloom of perpetual cloud cover awaits us here in the beautiful PNW... but, hey, at least I won't have to water the clematis anymore.

I'm a bit more hands off, so I'll settle on a wink and a nod for my fellow AITs (authors in training who happen to live on their own little islands).

And I second Marilyn's shout out for your efforts to contribute to our general wellbeing.

What a sweet post! Virtual hugs to you, NB. I can only imagine the struggles you've gone through to become an agent, just as we have to be writers. The publishing world in any form is a tough road to travel. I have total respect for writers, agents, editors and everyone in between.

I for one am glad to see the summer come to an end. This is not (just) because I am in San Antonio, which has enjoyed 58 days of 100+ degree heat this summer, but because it means my two darling children are off to school. And that means I can get back to the full-time job of being a writer! (Not the part-time, sneak-it-in-when-they're-not-looking job of being a writer and a parent.) Thanks for the post and the encouragement, Nathan!

Nathan. what a wonderful idea. It would be amzing if you used this week to raise soe of the serious issues around publishing and social exclusion. There are vast sectors of society who aren't able to reach teh same critical audience as the published mainstream not because of lack of talent or even lack of the means to get a story out there, but because of the institutional and structural barriers to them (query letters favour those whose lives mean it's possible for them to find out and practice how to write queries, for example - neither use nor ornament for someone in the shanties of Sao Paolo). At the moment the literary world doesn't celebrate all writers equally. Responses to my recent blog on the subject (http://agnieszkasshoes.blogspot.com/2009/08/from-pitch-to-perpetuationof-privilege.html) show many don't even understand there's a problem. You're in a wonderful position to change people's perspective.

Hey NikoleHahn - I know what you mean. I used to have a love hate relationship with my writing too. But the longer you write, the better it gets, and those little negative voices become quieter and quieter.

Wow, thank you, Nathan. Wow, thank you, Nathan. I'm dog-tired today, and sad to see summer go. I am, however, looking forward to going back to work on the final revisions of my latest novel next week, and appreciate the very positive words of your post today. Here’s to all the writers out there! And here’s to Nathan for adding a bit of sunshine to the world of writers!

I couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks, Marilyn!

Oh, and as with Precision Grace (what a great blogger name!), I have to hug myself... seeing as how I'm the only writer in the room at the moment. Unless you count my kitty - I bet she has a mean novel inside her, too! She always seems to be scheming about something...

Yes, Cheers to every writer! A celebration to the creativity within men and women, boys and girls. Rousing applause to everyone who dared to daydream and say "what if?" when others considered it a waste of time. Writers were exploring new lands and even other worlds, leaving culture and science to follow in their wake. Writers are creative pioneers! Every writer is continuing in this honorable undertaking and keeping alive the heritage.

Thank you so much. And thank you to the other authors out there as well; I'm not just a writer I'm a reader, so I appreciate the amazing selection out there (and things that would be great to see published) written by all different kinds of writers.

Well, when I first saw this post, I thought to myself, wow. Just how popular does Nathan want to be?

I decided pretty popular.

Then I thought, but wait. This doesn't apply to me. I don't write, remember? But then I remembered that my neon grean jealousy of Other Lisa motivated me to push past my relentless writer's block, and write this weekend. And sure, it was only 15 minutes before I caved, but still, it means that this post does apply to me! Yay!

So, since it applies to me, I thought, awwww, this is heartwarming. Nathan is trying to acknowledge the writer in a way that the industry doesn't. What a sweetheart.

And then I thought, right. The industry doesn't. And then I got really, really mad that every day isn't writer's appreciation day in the publishing industry.

And then I wrote this post.

I hope everyone appreciates that I wrote this.

Anyway, I think where I'm ending up is that you're a sweetheart, Nathan. Thanks.

I'm with OtherLisa and Steph D. While I love hugs - and did, in fact, just hug myself (no, for real!) - I'd like a beer, too. Sam Adams' Cherry Wheat is a good choice for the summer-fall transition.

And while I'm sad to see summer go ('cause it means I'll soon be leaving the peace and quiet of northern Michigan for the craziness of the New Orleans French Quarter), I'm with Kristi. Fall is my favorite season, too - colorful leaves, crisp breezes, beloved TV shows, and Halloween! Who could ask for more?

Oh, and congrats, Mercy Loomis, for having two short stories published! That's so thrilling!

What an amazing week this has started out to be. I just can't believe how with a little effort and creativeness things could be going so well. In deed I am blessed to know many of you through blogging and reading your books. I had a fellow blogger write about me today…and I received a blogging award to boot! It’s only Monday…Who knows what the rest of the year will bring? Thanks to everyone out in the abyss who made this one small soul feel important.

You understand the ups and downs so well, I'm curious to know if that's purely second hand (i.e. from your clients) or if you've tried your hand at writing a book (with or without the shade of a tree).

(Really, people... introductions first, then handshake... maybe a couple of dates. You know, the ones where you suggest a movie, and really it's not your thing but it's nice and neutral and public (except to that couple in the back row who obviously couldn't afford a motel room) and it'll give you something to talk about during that awkward walk back home/to the car/taxi/bus while you try to figure out whether the other person is worth investing more time in or whether you're going to be washing your head (no hair, sorry, lost that a couple of years back when that power surge hit the electrolysis clinic) every time they call and you don't check caller-id in time to let it go straight to voice mail and after a couple of films, maybe there's dinner and eventually you get to the stage where you're leaning in close to each other and you're really not sure what's going to happen but it's worth at least touching a shoulder to see how it goes before going for the whole arm-extension almost-pat-on-the-back-except-it's-the-opposite-shoulder thing before you actually get to the hug stage and you're hoping your deodorant works because you really don't want to transfer pit stains. As for hugging oneself... well, that's just... not something we should talk about in polite company.)

> Dan HollowayThat was a fantastic post (From Pitch to Perpetuation of Privilige). It highlighted some really important points.

The beauty of writing is that it allows anyone to write their thoughts down, but you're right - for some, there are no ways to get their voice out to an audience. This definitely needs to change.

It's an even bigger problem in the press. Of course, it's a bit of a catch-22; can a child who had a terrible or no education write as well as someone who went to Eton and Oxford? They may have bags more natural talent and far better stories to tell, but if they don't have the vocabulary to artfully articulate those stories, where does it leave them? I certainly hope things will change.

> To everyone elseWe don't mean to put a dampener on the thread! Hugs to everyone!

Mmm, what about the Nordic introverts who grew up somewhere other than the CA hugging culture? Maybe you could smile shyly in our general direction for the week? By Friday we might work up the courage to say "hi."

Three weeks from now, we could get some Humphrey Slocombe ice cream together. But only if you are writing. 20 pages gets you Peanut butter curry, 50 pages gets you Vietnamese coffee, 100 pages and I'll treat you to the Root beer float...oh my.

Hours of entertainment? Well, might only be a couple if you read fast.Unsurpassed knowledge? Pretty sure I've been passed on that freeway more times than I can count.Untold insight? Best if I leave that untold. If I tell, being a writer of course, I'm sure everyone will find it terribly uninsightful.But hey. If I can entertain for a few hours, it's all good. That's all the kudos I need.Keep it up, all you writers out there. In the end, it's all worth it.

My summer has been over for a while. Kids have been in school for three weeks now, and YESTERDAY! my husband finally came home after his long 7 months of Summer work, out of state and of home. I'm working hard to finish my book before November (NaNoWriMo!), and your words made me tear up.Have a great day dream-agent...

Community is good - and that is what we have here. Comrades who know the exhilaration of creation. the glow of a story well written, that sinking feeling of rejection. followed by the budding of new hope.

With hugs, which I have learned to appreciate, let's give encouragement and spread belief in the phrase written by someone long ago; "When you are hit by life's hardest slam, never say die, say damn" and, to continue with other's words; "pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again."How important words are! How important each writer is.Now I'll have a hard cider, please.

What an inspiring post Nathan. I have had some major family things come up this last month and it took the punch out of my desire to write. It has all been so draining physically and emotionally. You just gave me the encouragement to keep going!

--What?!?!? No. I've never found that out. Hands down, writing's the hardest part of being a writer (and, IMO FWIW, that's the way it should be if a writer's writing hard enough--and deep enough from inside herself). Getting the words to come out both clearly and the way I see them inside my head--I've found no will-always-work recipe for that, no end-all be-all how-to book, no end-all be-all how-to advice. Writing just must be done and it's always a gigantic pain in the ass.

Yes, writers, especially fiction writers, have gotten me through the of worst times...and have made the best of times even better. They help me to escape when my life turns dark and enrich my life when things are going well.

It took me four years to finish a first draft of my novel. And I've spent the last nine months going through four rounds of revisions. This weekend, my wife (who also writes) was reading the latest version and giving me some pretty stiff criticism on a couple of chapters. So for the last three days I've been in a state of holy-crap-this-is-never-going-to-END depression.

It's nice to remember every once in a while that there are a whole lot of people going through the exact same thing.

I don't post much but today I will to encourage others who may be in my shoes. I self published last year at this time. With a LOT of hard work [mostly online], I sold thousands within 10 months and just last week signed a contract to have my book relaunched and backed by a publisher. My story is not a literary piece of art but it I am humbled to discover it is a story that people want to know. I am sure there are others out there!

If other writers want some inspiration they can check out my 'how I got published' story on my blog. It's a story complete with plot twists, inner conflict, stalking, persistence, three dead moths in my mailbox, lots of rewriting, and hope!

Thanks, Nathan.I've been at the bottom of this barrel having a pretty tough time, thinking seriously about getting a better paying profession outside the arts, so I can be content to be a "hobby" writer/artist/creative.It's nice to think there at least is someone rooting for those of us here with too many holes in the pockets and the threads wearing thinner and thinner all the time.

Hugs back at ya, Nathan. And beer all around. It is the eve of my first real publishing credit, so I am in a celebratory mood. No, it's not a novel, but a short story in an anthology titled "Nightbird Singing in the Dead of Night" http://www.nightbirdpubs.com/ Very exciting to see my name as one of the contributing authors.

It may be the end of Summer for you guys, but Spring just started today for me (Yeah, Spring in Australia!)

Loving what you say, as usual. Sometimes I think we don't appreciate how much work this is. Its not making the words flow that's difficult for me, its making sure they're the right words. Sometimes I amaze myself with the amount of dribble I write and then have to re-edit into something slightly readable.

This is awesome.I especially love this part:"You made the leap of faith, put pen to paper, devoted hours and hours and hours to building a world, and after months of hard work and sweat and blood and tears, those of you that finished had something to be rightly proud of: a manuscript.Then you find out that the writing was the easy part."So true. Anyway, I want to praise all the writers out there! Once you start writing yourself and looking for others with the dream of writing a book, it's so surprising to see how many people there actually are! I've come to find that nearly half my friends have already started writing and are well on there way! Good job, and good luck to all!

Waving hi from the southern hemisphere and glad to see the last of winter!

Thanks Nathan- this post came at a good time. The m/s of my second novel is due with my agent next week and as I write the final chapter I'm just feeling so emotional about it- sad to see it come to an end, excited about pulling plot points together, terrified about starting a new project, torn between thinking this is a good novel and being afraid to show it to mye agent because just say it isn't... and the worst bit is that pretty much no-one cares about any of it! My husband is very supportive but is a complete non-writer- he'll be pleased for me that I've finished but far more interested in if I can sell it like the last one; my family don't read and have no idea about books really (my parents never even read my first (published) novel; my friends like my books (I've done 3- the other 2 were non-fic/essays) but think anyone can do it and can't understand why it takes so much time. So THANK YOU for writer appreciation week- I love it!

Beautiful sentiment!I'm in the middle of my third (unpublished) book and with summer on the way here in Australia it will be difficult to keep myself in front of the computer, when I could be snorkelling and enjoying the sunshine. I will get out, but only after I make my daily word quota!

Yay, Nathan, thank you so much for a thoughtful, sweet, encouraging post! I'm still green to this biz and this is exactly the shot in the arm this gal needed! YOU appreciate us even if the industry don't :).

Got some great quotes to offer writers just for the Writer Appreciation Week posts. Looking forward to the coming week.

Clearly you haven't been in Southern California much. We're already in the third week back at school. It amazes me when I hear people talking about summer ending--buying lunch boxes and backpacks--at the end of August. We're already seeing wear and tear on ours. Oh, and have you forgotton about that old summer friend, Big Brother? You needn't wait for your reality TV fix...

Thanks for the thought Nathan. Hugs are good. Be sure to find the person who's hug you would value the most also; Constant Bloggers are also Constant Writers - not to mention all the e-mailing and fast talking (writing) you do on your client's behalf.

Kudos to yourself also.

And Fall is also my favorite season; the ground is warm and soft, the air cool and damp. Stew weather; blanket and good book on the sofa weather.

Having just put my four children in school, and constantly thinking of Uruguay because I love the people. S.A. is moving into their summer and I live in Calgary, Canada and our winters are hell. I constantly am thinking about my writing and often feeling that my hope of being published is so far off in its practicality that it seems hopeless. Then I read this post and feel so inspired to move forward.

I have another couple of days before my children go back to school. And the weather here in the UK is doing crazy things (torrential rain, thunder and rainbows yesterday in our little neck of the woods)!

So summer may not be quite over for me just yet!

That said, this is the third little bit of encouragement that has come my way during a week that ahs been really difficult. A few hugs certainly wouldn't go amiss here!

I have to be cheeky, though, and add that an agent willing to represent my work, huggable or otherwise, would be even better!

Sometimes when I go to other industry blogs I'm not sure the agents or the editors even LIKE writers.

I think this is the heart of why your blog is so popular. You treat writers as intelligent, people with something important to offer. You don't lecture or chide. I have never, not once, ever, seen you make fun of a writer for anything. You're direct and offer advice, or make requests, but it's from a dialogue of mutual respect.

I'm not a hugger but I love writers and I like beer. I'll take the beers without the hugs although I'll probably hug after the beers.

Yea for writers and all the glorious words and ideas, published and unpublished. Yea for being out there past my shadow of light as I type at night. Yea for being a reader so I have an audience as a writer. Yea for me, a reader who is a writer.

Let's have a beer. Should have a national 'Buy A Writer A Beer' Day. Or week. Year.

That is TERRIFIC news, Nathan! You totally deserve it after all the help you've given to us writers. I've never posted a comment before but have read your blog religiously since I started looking for an agent earlier this year, and lo and behold, my book will be published by Sourcebooks in 2010! I will be at your Books Inc. workshop on Sunday and congratulate you in person!

Congrats on your book! You have been a terrific resource for writers and deserve all of the positive energy back tenfold. Will be happy to use my big mouth to tell everyone to buy it when it comes out...keep us posted!!

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